Binomial expressions: Have you ever heard phrases like “give or take” or “sick and tired” and wondered why people use them? Well, this English vocabulary lesson is all about binomial expressions—a fun and natural way to sound more fluent in English!
These are pairs of words often joined by “and” or “or,” and they are commonly used by native speakers. They make your English lively and expressive. Let’s dive in and learn these handy phrases! 🚀
What Are Binomial Expressions?
Binomial expressions are two words joined together, often with “and” or “or,” used as fixed expressions in English. They’re short, catchy, and pack a lot of meaning into just a few words. Learning them will instantly make your conversations more natural and engaging.
Why Learn Binomials?
Using binomial expressions makes your English:
✔️ More natural and conversational
✔️ Easier to follow in real-world contexts
✔️ Fun and colorful!
20 Binomial Expressions You Need to Know 📝
Ready to expand your vocabulary? Let’s go! 💪
Everyday Favorites Binomial Expressions
- Sick and tired 🤦♂️
Meaning: To be angry or bored with something that has been happening for too long.
Example:- I’m sick and tired of your excuses!
(When you’ve had enough of something.)
- I’m sick and tired of your excuses!
- More or less ⚖️
Meaning: Mostly, approximately, or almost.
Example:- It’s 500 kilos, more or less.
(When you’re not being exact.)
- It’s 500 kilos, more or less.
- Give or take ➕➖
Meaning: Possibly a little more or less than the amount or time mentioned.
Example:- It cost £200, give or take.
(When there’s a small variation in the amount.)
- It cost £200, give or take.
- Pros and cons ✅❌
Meaning: Advantages and disadvantages.
Example:- Each technology has its pros and cons.
(When weighing the good and bad points of something.)
- Each technology has its pros and cons.
- Short and sweet 🍬
Meaning: Surprisingly short but pleasant.
Example:- This morning’s meeting was short and sweet.
(When something is quick but enjoyable.)
- This morning’s meeting was short and sweet.
Advanced Binomials Expressions
- Sooner or later ⏳
Meaning: At some time in the future.
Example:- Don’t worry, sooner or later the cat will come home.
(When something is bound to happen eventually.)
- Don’t worry, sooner or later the cat will come home.
- By and large 🌍
Meaning: Generally.
Example:- By and large, the people of this state are not happy with the governor’s policies.
(When talking about the overall situation.)
- By and large, the people of this state are not happy with the governor’s policies.
- From time to time ⌛
Meaning: Occasionally or now and then.
Example:- We do go to the library from time to time, but not as often as we should.
(When something happens occasionally.)
- We do go to the library from time to time, but not as often as we should.
- On and off 🔄
Meaning: Happening or existing some of the time.
Example:- I’ve had a toothache on and off for a couple of months.
(When something happens intermittently.)
- I’ve had a toothache on and off for a couple of months.
- Ups and downs ⬆️⬇️
Meaning: Good times and bad times.
Example:- We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re still great friends.
(When describing a mix of experiences.)
- We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re still great friends.
- Safe and sound 🛡️
Meaning: Unharmed, especially after danger.
Example:- After the storm, everyone was safe and sound.
(When everything turns out okay.)
- After the storm, everyone was safe and sound.
- Black and white ⚫⚪
Meaning: Very clear and easy to understand.
Example:- The rules are black and white—no exceptions.
(When something is straightforward.)
- The rules are black and white—no exceptions.
- Now and then 🕒
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example:- I like to visit my grandparents now and then.
(Similar to “from time to time.”)
- I like to visit my grandparents now and then.
- Odds and ends 🛠️
Meaning: Small, miscellaneous items.
Example:- The drawer is full of odds and ends.
(When referring to random things.)
- The drawer is full of odds and ends.
- Peace and quiet 🕊️
Meaning: Calm and silence.
Example:- I love going to the countryside for some peace and quiet.
(When you want to relax in a calm place.)
- I love going to the countryside for some peace and quiet.
Also Read: 15 Secret Phrases You NEED to Know!
Fun Binomials to Spice Things Up 🌟
- Wear and tear 🛠️
Meaning: Damage caused by normal use.
Example:- The car is showing some wear and tear after 10 years.
- Hustle and bustle 🌆
Meaning: Busy and noisy activity.
Example:- I love the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Neat and tidy ✨
Meaning: Clean and organized.
Example:- Her desk is always neat and tidy.
- Trial and error 🧪
Meaning: Learning by experimenting.
Example:- We fixed the problem through trial and error.
- Back and forth ↔️
Meaning: Moving between two places or states.
Example:- We went back and forth about where to go for dinner.
Explore More
- 20 Binomial Expressions You Need to Know
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